It’s Dashain. It’s when you don’t have to go to school or work. It’s when you take a break. When you sleep in, and do as you please. It’s when you eat and often overeat. It’s also when you don’t exercise, when you get stressed about hosting the perfect party. The thing is when you don’t stretch your muscles, don’t eat wholesome food or forget to take care of yourself, you are doing your mind and body a big disservice. Here are five simple ways you can make sure you stay healthy and happy.
Do ten-minute workouts in the morning and evening
Granted you don’t have the time or be bothered to hit the gym or do your regular workout but you can and, in fact, must do some light stretches or a quick exercise to keep your body feeling active and light. Break your workouts into two or three mini sessions so that it’s doable. For example, play a song and dance away in the morning and do some light stretches afterwards. Before you head to bed, do some squats and planks. Find out what works for you.
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Drink water
You might scoff at this but hear us out. It’s very easy to forget to drink water, especially when you are sipping on aerated beverages and cocktails during festivals and celebrations. These drinks can often leave you dehydrated. So drink water as soon as you wake up in the morning, carry a small bottle in your purse or car and sip whenever you can and drink a glass before you retire. Alternatively, you can also make it a point to drink a glass of water for every other drink you have.
Have at least one meal at home
It’s very easy to overeat when you are eating out even if it’s at a friends’ or relatives’ home. Also, you will be eating too much mutton and other rich food and drinking way over your limit when you have all your meals at get-togethers and parties. So, this Dashain, make it a point to have at least one meal – lunch or dinner – at home. And keep that meal simple, complete with a big serving of veggies.
Have two servings of fruit
Dashain is all about eating oily and fried food. Indulge and eat to your heart’s content but make sure you have at least two servings of fruits to get your required fiber intake. All that spiced food can take its toll on your digestive system so munch on an apple, have a banana, or drink a watermelon smoothie. It will fill you up and make you feel good too.
Manage stress
Festivals are often a cause of much stress because there are just so many things to be done. From decorating your home to preparing gourmet meals, sometimes it can all get a bit much. When you find yourself overwhelmed by all the things that need your attention, take a step back and remind yourself that the first and foremost thing you need to do during celebrations is enjoy it. Play some soothing music while cooking or cleaning the house and don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for help.
